Hardware and Networking

You will be able to study the following qualifications in this subject:

Level 1 IT
Level 2 Digital Technologies
Level 3 Extended Diploma Hardware and Networking
T Level Foundation Digital
T Level Digital Infrastructure

Our courses prepare you for an exciting career in the Digital, IT and Creative industry. 

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, recognises that these qualifications are fit for purpose towards a professional career in IT or towards continuing education in Computing and Information Technology.

After T Level and our Level 3 course, you can progress to degree courses and IT apprenticeships, preparing you to enter this lucrative and rewarding industry.

During your course, you will learn skills that will give you a broad base of knowledge whilst developing specialist skills in the pathway of your choice.

Building computers, installing operating systems, developing software and creating applications, websites and programs are just some of the elements you will cover.

You will develop your skills in our CISCO Academy workshop and our programming labs. You will learn to implement and design network and cyber security, network maintenance and how to set up operational systems, devices and cloud computing systems.

For practical work on computers, we have our specialist lab with a CISCO Academy to develop your skills across networking and cyber security. In addition to your Extended Diploma, you will have the opportunity to complete core Maths and/or CISCO certifications.

Developing your experience within your industry through work placements is important, especially for our T Level students who have a 45-day placement during their course. We will support you with this - our tutors have brilliant industry links with many relevant employers.

We also invite employers and organisations to college, offering opportunities to complete projects and tasks with them. We also offer industry masterclasses and guest speakers from your industry specialism, which will broaden your understanding of different career routes available to you.

Our industry links ensure you are equipped with the best and most relevant knowledge.  

Level 1: Portfolio-based assignments

Level 2: Assignments, online exams & synoptic projects

Level 3: Four examined units, rest are assignments and synoptic projects, employers set projects exams and Industry placements

Information Technology systems is assessed by exam in January along with a resit in June. Creating systems to manage information; cyber security & incident management; IT service delivery are assessed by supervised assessment ranging from 5 to 11 hours long. This is a mix of creating documents and practical assessment. Other units are assessed by coursework, presentations or observations of practical work in our computing labs depending on your course level and qualification.

Our Levels 1 and 2 courses are designed as a pathway onto our Level 3 or T Levels. Progression options include university, full time employment or an IT Apprenticeship. Possible roles include IT Technician, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Specialist and Computer Forensics.

Learners who choose to continue their studies at university generally choose higher education courses such as Computer Science, Cyber Security, and Computer Forensics.